where dreams go to die (10Stare)

"Really?" I raise my eyes in surprise at the fact he's letting me decide what to do.
I consider this for a moment. There's so much I usually do alone, that having a partner like Alex seems twice as good for each one. Last night was definately the best I've had in a long time. Why should today be any different?
"Okay," I say thoughtfully. "I know a really cool spot we could hang out for the day. There's a lot to do there, and it's not too far from here."
I grin, thinking of his reaction to what I'm about to say.
"I know it might be a little chilly, but I think I'll go for a swim there," I say, my eyes shining.

I laugh.
"The whole point is that the water will be chilly," I say. "It gives an extra boost of energy. We should get going now, though, before it get's too warm."
I stand up and brush myself off, wait for him to put out the fire, and then begin to walk.
"It's kinda close to my old district, which is why I know where it is," I explain without looking back. "I had actually been coming from around there when I ran into you, so it's really pretty close."
It was actually closer than I thought, because it only took us about ten minutes of walking to get there. Finally, though, we're there.
At the first glance, this place doesn't look too exciting. A deep pond surrounded by some grass with a big tree right next to it.
But if you looked a little closer, you'd notice the grass was extremely lush around it. Silver fish darted around in the water.
I grinned, pointing to the large, sturdy branch that hung high over the water. "That's how you get in."

I laugh, kicking off my shoes and yanking off my socks.
"There's a rope!" I call after him. "I wrap it around the branch near the leaves so Peacekeepers don't see."
I run after him, towards the tree, and swing myself up, climbing untill I reach the branch. I carefully crawl out over the pond, grabbing onto the rope and slowly unwinding it. Finally, I grab onto it and let myself fall from the branch. The rope jerks as it reaches it's length, and I let myself swing before letting go at a good height.
The moment I hit the water, I feel adrenaline shoot through my veins as my head goes under.
I surface, laughing, icy water tingling on my skin.

I jump as I feel his hand, and join him in laughing as he surfaces. But of course, I have to join in on the fun.
I dunk my head under, letting the misty water hide me from view. I swim in the direction I believe him to be, feeling my way forward until I feel his ankle.
Smiling underwater, I give it a good, strong tug. I smile even more when I hear a splash and know my mission has been acomplished.
I quickly dart out of his reach before taking a deep gulp of air.
"Gotcha," I say, grinning.

"Yeah," I say pleasantly. "You've got to hold your breath when you float, and spread your arms and legs out really far. Balance your weight the best you can."
I flib onto my back, gasing at the sky. By now, I'm used to the water. So I quickly pull myself out of the water and get back onto the rope. I take a big, huge swing, jumping off at the highest point. I wrap my arms around my knees and land with a giant splash, swimming around in circles underwater for a moment before surfacing.

I laugh, holding up my hands as water flies at me.
"Not bad!" I comment.
For a while, we just swim and splash and swing. It really is a great time.
Slowly, I begin to swim towards the grass. I flip onto my back, my chest heaving. I shiver as a cool breeze passes over me, then let my fingers pass over the goosebumps on my arms. The sun is shining, and it helps. Kind of.
"Thanks for a great time," I say outloud. "This was really... fun."